276 
chemical ingredients for two hours, washed in cold water, and dried and 
mbed. The report concludes by stating that the fibre was in some 
cases of unequal character as regards colour and quality, due e the 
provisional nature of the appliances used ; but the results obtained on a 
small scale gave hopes that with larger quantities and suitable boiling 
vessels, properly closed, and with proper machinery to agitate the mass, 
the fibre would be obtained in a more satisfactory condition. 
- Tar Trin MACHINE. 
s far as can be gathered from a ces gre privately communicated 
by the inventor (Mr. C. G. Till), this is a large machine, weighing 
nearly two tons, driven by steam-power, and costing about 1507. It is 
urnished with rollers and beaters about 3 feet long; it has a con- 
ias 
yet been fully tested for the atiri of ribbons, but the inventor 
estimates that it will clean between half a ton and a ton per day, 
PAPLEUX SYSTEM. 
In consequence of letters which appeared in the Melbourne Argus 
. at the time of the Centennial Exposition held at Melbourne, i inquiries 
were addressed to Kew respecting the Papleux system for cleaning 
Ramie. 
This system was at one time in operation by Messrs. W. H. Spencer 
& Co., of Hitchin, Herts, but is now abandoned. Recent experiments 
have been carried on with a formula invented by Messrs. Spencer 
themselves, and by means of this they have been successful in preparing 
small samples of fibre of excellent qnality. It is probable that Messrs. 
W. H. Spencer & Co. will eventually be able to treat Ramie ribbons on 
a large scale and convert them by mechanical and chemical means into 
filasse or finished yarns. It is understood, however, that at present the 
process is not available to the public. 
PLAISIER MACHINE. 
A machine, the invention of & Dutch Seer named Plaisier, is 
the subject of an extended notice in de Indische Mercur of the 19th 
some months, and it is stated to treat 5,000 kilos. of green stems per 
day, yielding 125 to 150 kilos. of ribbons. 
GENERAL REMARKS, 
In the Diplomatic and Consular Reports, Series 1889 (p. 37), ess 
is given an account of an experimental planting of Ramie at a Colon 
the, Province of Santa Dolari Brazil. This Colony obtained de 
first prize for a collection of Ramie fibres at the Antwerp Exhibition. 
. In the same Reports, No. 525, on the trade of Hankow, attention is 
drawn to the facilities which exist there for procuring and manipulating 
: Rhea fibre on a large mr The Consul adds, “ it would give me much 
bn: to know that a good business in this article could be started 
* here. But until machinery for venae t it is larreak exports 
* would he emetic. 
